Page 11 of Innocent Union
“Everyone will be looking at me,” he whispered.
“No. Everyone will be looking at me because I’ll show up for your presentation and distract everyone. That way, no one will be able to tell if you mess up.”
Finn smiled up at me. “Really?”
“Really really.”
When the bus bounced over a pothole, some of the rowdier kids screamed dramatically. Finn rolled his eyes.
“At least I’m smarter than that. I never scream over stupid stuff.”
“Getting into a car accident isn’t stupid, Finn.”
He shrugged. “I’m just saying. You’re always telling me I’m strong enough to overcome anything.”
“Yeah, I am. And it’s true. You are strong enough.” We were strong enough when our dad left us a year ago. One moment, he was there, and the next, he’d left the house and never returned. Finn was constantly scared, so I had to most of the comforting because our mom was distraught over our dad abandoning us.
“So, I’m strong enough to survive a car accident.”
I looked down at my younger brother’s face. So innocent. I was only two years older, but ever since I took on more after our dad left, I had to grow up fast.
“I’ll protect you no matter what,” I said.
Finn nodded like he was pleased with my answer. We arrived at school, got off the bus, and headed inside to our classrooms. I had no idea my life was about change all over again.
I don’t letmyself think about my brother’s death. Especially now as I stare down the impending death of my mother. She’s right. Once she’s gone, I’ll be all alone. The only thing I’ll have to my name is … nothing. I’m not a mob boss—not yet. I don’t have a strong family name like the Moretti’s. It’s just me—Killian Brennan.
The more I think about being lonely, the more I think about Mia. She’s looking for a husband. My mom wants me to get married.
It’s something I should seriously think about. Antonio told me to not mess around with Mia, and I have no desire to.
I was honest with her when I said I wasn’t a liar.
Now, all I need to do is convince Antonio and, more importantly, Giulia, that I’m worthy of Mia.
I’m up to the task.
CHAPTER 3
Mia
“Ihave an idea,” my mom says as she barges into my room. “Let’s hold a ball. One where prospective suitors can come and meet you.”
I set my phone down and stare at my mom in complete and utter shock. “Mom, the last time we had a ball, Viktor kidnapped Gemma.”
She waves her hand dismissively. “It all turned out for them in the end. This is the best way I can think to gain the attention of good suitors for you. No Mafia man can resist a ball. Trust me.”
“Why not just call it a party?”
“Because a ball is fancier, and you want a gentleman. Not riffraff. So, a ball it is. I’ll send out the invitation. I was thinking for this weekend.”
I almost choke on my own spit. “This weekend? That’s so soon.”
She shrugs. “Well, better sooner than later. The sooner we can find you a husband, the sooner we can put any nasty rumors to bed. I’m tired of people talking about you and Cecilia. She’s happy with Theo. I might not have agreed with it, but I’ve comearound. Now, I need you to find a husband, Mia. So, chop-chop. Let’s go dress shopping.”
A half-hour later, I’m at the mall with my mother, Lucia, and Luca. It’s obviously Luca would rather be anywhere else than in a dress shop. Lucia, on the other hand, gasps and runs off to admire all the sparkly dresses.
“I remember the last time I went shopping for a ball,” Mom muses as she flicks through dresses. “It was for Gemma, and the twins were just babies at the time.”
